Boarding the shore of Lake Michigan, the North Shore is home to many prestigious and sought-after neighborhoods such as Kenilworth, Highland Park, and Lake Bluff. Here, you can enjoy a packed community events calendar, high-end restaurants, and watch the seasons change beautifully. They are also home to The Chicago Botanic Garden, Grosse Point Lighthouse, and Northwestern University.
Bannockburn:
Conveniently located 30 miles north of Chicago and only 4 miles west of Lake Michigan lies the Village of Bannockburn. With a smaller population compared to many Chicago suburbs, the area has a quaint neighborhood feel to it. It is also where you can find the Allen Friedman House, an iconic home designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd-Wright. The town also hosts many events throughout the year which are free to Bannockburn residents and their guests.
Deerfield:
With a lively community events calendar and top-rated public schools, many families have decided to make Deerfield home. Located only 25 minutes north of Chicago, the town is in a desirable location for those who want to be close to the city but live in a place with a suburban feel. Deerfield houses Walgreens, Baxter Healthcare, and Boots Alliance headquarters and is often listed as one of the wealthiest towns in Illinois.
Evanston:
With 77 parks and 5 beaches, most within walking distance to many homes in the area, Evanston is perfect for those that love to be outside. Being only 12 miles north of downtown Chicago makes commuting to the city a breeze and an ideal place for many professionals who want the ease of being close to the office without living in the city. Evanston is continuously ranked as the #1 place to live in Cook County and from art exhibits in the park to weekly Farmer’s Market, there is always something to explore.
Glencoe:
A small historic town is known for its quaint neighborhoods and tree-lined streets, Glencoe is filled with charming homes, a lovely downtown that looks like it was pulled from a movie, and a desirable small-town feel. Located right on Lake Michigan a gorgeous view is never far away and the town holds many upscale restaurants and luxury shops. You can spot the town in many famous movies such as Risky Business, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Sixteen Candles. With a packed event calendar including endless days of live music, wine tastings, and family-friendly activities, Glencoe is sure to impress everyone in the family.
Glenview:
15 minutes north of Chicago, you will find the gorgeous town of Glenview. Known for pristine neighborhoods and some of the best school districts in the area, the area is highly sought-after for families. With the Kohl Children’s Museum and the Chicago Botanic Garden close by alongside 26 amazing parks that continuously host outdoor activities, there is always something happening in the community.
Highland Park:
With a luxurious downtown shopping district and many award-winning restaurants, it is no surprise that Highland Park is one of the most popular Chicago suburbs and premier spots for music lovers. The area is home to the Ravina Festival, a not-for-profit outdoor music festival that hosts well-known artists such as John Legend, Gladys Knight, Counting Crows, and so many more. It typically runs from the beginning of July through mid-September and is a popular thing to do in Highland Park. You can also enjoy the Chicago Symphony Orchestra here for a few months every year as it is their summer home.
Kenilworth:
Situated 15 miles north of downtown Chicago, Kenilworth has a laid-back urban feel. Most prominently known for having the largest collection of buildings by architect George W. Maher, you can find almost 40 homes designed by him throughout the town. Many residents enjoy spending their summers on Kenilworth Beach, located on Lake Michigan; the beach provides cool waters and clear waters with a large pavilion nearby.
Lake Bluff:
Named for its prominent bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Lake Bluff is another quaint small town located on the lake’s edge. The area is home to the Bluffinia Summer Concert Series that hosts a range of artists from 1920’s classical music to 1980’s pop music. This is the second most attended concert series in the area, only behind the Ravinia Festival. Another annual event the town is known for is their Fourth of July Parade, hosted by a team of local volunteers, the parade is always looked forward to by locals. Every summer from June to October, you can find the Farmer’s Market every Friday morning showcasing local goods and produce.
Lake Forest:
Established in 1857, Lake Forest is a luxurious town located on Lake Michigan and only 30 miles north of Chicago. The town is home to Lake Forest College, a liberal arts college that is often recognized as a top-tier college and known for its innovative curriculum and focuses on career preparation. For those who enjoy golfing, Lake Forest has an endless amount of country clubs, including the prestigious Onwentsia Club, Knollwood Club, and Conway Farms Golf Club, just to name a few. Market Square is perfect for a relaxing day of shopping with quaint shops, and the community calendar has something fun going on every week.
Northbrook:
With many nature trails and parks, Northbrook is perfect for those who love outdoor activities. The town is conveniently located close to Highland Park and Glencoe so residents can take advantage of events such as the Ravina Festival during the summer and easy access to Lake Michigan. You can also visit Northbrook Court, a large mall that is home to many department stores and luxury shopping.
Northfield:
This upscale residential community is nestled 19 miles north of Chicago and offers a lavish suburban feel. With a smaller population, the town offers many family-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Northfield offers a small town, family-friendly feel and provides the community with numerous free special events throughout the year including festivals, fireworks, and markets.
Wilmette:
The charming town of Wilmette is known for its lakefront on Lake Michigan, gorgeous tree-lined streets, iconic green street lanterns, and brick streets. Many residents enjoy the outdoor activities the town offers including Gillson Park, Keay Nature Center, and the Elmwood Dunes Preserve. This coupled with an endless amount of diverse restaurants and fun family-friendly activities make Wilmette a top spot for families looking to relocate.
Winnetka:
Founded in 1869, the name was given to this community translates to “beautiful land”. That is evident through Winnetka’s tree-lined streets, sandy beaches nearby, and its large number of pristine parks. The town takes pride in its historic small-town charm, as well as being a family-friendly location for everyone. Winnetka features four different shopping villages that are frequented by local residents but are always a must-stop for people visiting the area. There you will find upscale restaurants, specialty shops, and luxurious boutiques. Situated along the shore of Lake Michigan, the town always provides a stunning backdrop of crystal clear water.
